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Update: Al Henley vs. tourist: Crown awaiting directions from VC

Henley allegedly broke Riether's nose during an altercation at the bar on Sunday, May 20, 2012. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Crown is still awaiting word from a United States tourist whose nose was allegedly broken by businessman Al Henley during an altercation on May 20, 2012.

This is according to Crown Counsel Leslie Ann Faulkner when the matter came up for report in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, June 1, 2012.

According to her, she was holding for Herbert Potter who indicated to her that he is yet to receive further information from Maya Riether, the Virtual Complainant.

Henley, the proprietor of Big Bananas Restaurant and Bar, and the VC allegedly got into an altercation at his place of business with Riether sustaining a broken nose.

In light of this, he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The Crown dropped the assault case against the VC, although it is alleged that her actions prompted the altercation.

According to court records, on Sunday May 20, 2012, Riether left her hotel room and purchased two drinks at Bobby’s supermarket, Cane Garden Bay little after 11.00 a.m.

On the walk back, she stopped at the road side bar and asked the female bartender for some ice. The bartender complied and was about to give her some ice, which was in an ice cooler, in a cup. However, Riether allegedly asked if the “ice was clean” after seeing the condition of the cooler’s cover.

Henley, who was sitting nearby, heard the tourist’s question and allegedly instructed the bartender not to give Riether anything. An argument ensued and Henley allegedly asked the woman to leave, but she refused. The court heard other patrons were at the bar.

It was then, the 32 year-old woman allegedly took her drink, which was in a brown paper bag, and threw it at Henley striking him in his chest while he was sitting.

The court heard that the businessman allegedly got up and struck her with one of his fists in her face. The blow allegedly caused Riether to fall to the ground, and when she got to her feet again, it is alleged that he hit her again in her face.

Apart from a broken nose, the VC was also treated at Peebles Hospital for swelling to her forehead, scratches to her left shoulder, neck and left leg.

The same day when officers visited the bar, Henley informed them that he was sitting at his business “this lady came and assaulted me so I pushed her and she fell”.

Henley, who is on $45,000 bail, has to return to court on July 5 2012. He is represented by Richard Rowe.

44 Responses to “Update: Al Henley vs. tourist: Crown awaiting directions from VC”

  • Iron Lion (22/05/2012, 14:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So how her charges are dropped and Al had to post bail and return? This is pure BULL$$$T!!!
    • Bolly (22/05/2012, 16:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Seems he needs to take a course in anger management?
      • bb (22/05/2012, 21:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        why you blaming Al the vitim??
      • Stuupps (01/06/2012, 21:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Bolly shut yoru stupid mouth, you would not have taken that from her either. She has a right to disrespect the man in his place???? He didnt trouble her, she shoulda move on.
  • Tsk Tsk (22/05/2012, 14:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Come on Al, I thought you were better than that! Whether she threw her drink at you or not, if u did punch the lady in the face, u should not have! That's not the action of a man ... or a businessman! Did you not know that the customer is always right? Further, if someone asks about the cleanliness of your establishment then maybe you should be cursing your staff instead of the customer. Maybe the customer is noticing something that others have seen but instead of speaking up, never return. She probably was doing you a favour! Many establishments have coolers that are filthy and the ice does stink. Would you want to have a drink made with ice kept in a dirty cooler? Maybe this customer said something in the wrong way, but you should not have reacted so. You should have ignored her and let her walk away, with or without the ice.
    • sha (22/05/2012, 16:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Strupessss she aint buy no drink from the man bar.... she goin come and be rude and had the audacity to throw her drink at him! BS and think he wouldnt react to it!!!!! these tourist does act like they run things when they come here!! but now he has to reappear in court and pay bail..while she is free!!! what kind of crap is that!!!
    • Sorry Al (22/05/2012, 20:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Some tourist just don't have any manners and they are rude. Yes, want their money but at what cost. You can't be so stupid as to buy a drink somewhere else, ask me for ice and then be rude about it. Now, now, now, suppose that was the other Henley?
    • You Numb Nuts (22/05/2012, 23:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yeah customer is always right. Right to assault the patrons of an establishment, right to do as they wish because they are tourists, right to be slap when they take cans or bottles and used it as a missile to assault someone. Yeah they always right. They have the right to stay their rude a$$ home or in their countries.
      • Terry (01/06/2012, 18:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Yes let them stay in their own countries as you suggest. Let them not board the cruise ships and visit the BVI. Let them not board the planes and visit the BVI. Let the natives shop and buy all the Island T shirts and little island trinkets being sold on and around main street. Let the Unites States of America keep their people and let them keep their american dollars too. BVI hotels and car rental agencies do not depend on tourist Tortola natives can support these companies.
        • observer (05/06/2012, 17:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Terry you missing the point,Mr hanley could have taken a different approach but he didnt.We do depend on the tourist to come and surpport bussiness but what do expect also for when they come the islands to respect the people and themselves.This is the islands things you might get away with in the states is not going to slide here .And right now the court is not being fair you drop her charges when she was the aggressive one that started the whole drama .If it was me i would have broken her hand the hand she used to throw with .Slavery was abolish the days of wipping and stoning done with i bet she wouldnt make that mistake again.
  • Random (22/05/2012, 14:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Really!!!!! Are you serious, she gets away and has to pay bail and return to court June 1. This is the kind of $-it I just dont understand, these people come into our country behave like they are in charge and gets aways with things that they do and others have to suffer. Ridicules, remember what happen to the Aborigines' in Austrailla, when they got fedup of how the whites were disrespecting them and taking away their lands, wait man that same thing going to happen, continue disrespecting us.
  • man rat (22/05/2012, 14:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well saw al is that you?
  • El Stupido (22/05/2012, 14:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this fair? She provoked him by throwing her drink on him and he retaliated. Not sure why the charges against her were dropped but not his. Seems his attack on her was a bit much though.
  • gee (22/05/2012, 14:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    DISMISSED?!!!! on what grounds? there is something very unfair about that outcome! she threw the drink at him and it hit him in the chest and she gets the charges dismissed?!!
    • self defense (02/06/2012, 08:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is how those people behave against we locals amy one throwing there drink at me and hitting me in my chest going get what coming to them....
  • mmm (22/05/2012, 14:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don't understand how she got released but Al has to come back to court. Can someone help?
  • Provoked???? (22/05/2012, 15:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The issue of provocation by these so called victims is one that needs to be addressed before some one loses their life. My understanding is that this woman was very aggressive and was told to leave the bar on many occasions by many different persons but was very unruley. Whilst I do not condone violence by any means, we slap these victims on their risk and leave the innocent person holding the bag after reacting in self defense. I was once told as a woman if you don't want to get hit - then don't hit..this is a message that we as a community need to make sure we teach our daughters, sisters, mothers etc. Our men are being locked up and in many cases, it is a case of provocation ..gone bad. Sad but true.
  • ABC (22/05/2012, 16:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    tis seems like a set up to me
  • JTV (22/05/2012, 17:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    lawd geeze????? not my Al Henley from big banana?? what is this i am reading bosss???
  • Oh Justice! (22/05/2012, 18:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    She admits to throwing the drink on the man....shed some tears....and her matter gets dismisseddd???? What is wrong with our justice system buddy. And then he is put on $45,000 bail????? Justice is blind buddy! I hope we can soon get a Consultancy Contract to review this justice system too cause some ting not right at all with this one and many others!
  • qc (22/05/2012, 19:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Al son you Shouldn't be mean to a lady but it is a stupid situation.....next time both need to use common sense
  • che (22/05/2012, 20:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Angry man I say,lotssa angry men around watch out,place coming apart,stand up people now..
  • che (22/05/2012, 20:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Drunk tourist,,what can you say..go away. ?
  • Church Sister (22/05/2012, 21:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lord have mercy but this sweet me so. I glad for she. They feel cause them bring the US dollar they could tell u and treat u as them feel. I sorry still because Al a cool fellow.
  • john public (22/05/2012, 21:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    boy al those white folks gonna boycott your place now
  • Cane Garden Bay (22/05/2012, 21:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was down by his bar the night before and look trouble I missed the KUNG FU fighting….when is round 2?
  • kkk (22/05/2012, 22:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So because she is white and an American the weak Prosecutors let her go very well knowing that the damm woman was wrong and her silly actions inexcusable.
  • WHAT THE HELL (22/05/2012, 23:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    RICHARDS YOU LOSING YOUR MIND OR SOMETHING. TOURIST OR NOT. SHE HAD NO RIGHT TO ASSAULT THE MAN. I MEAN REALLY. THEN YOU AS A MAGISTRATE GOT THE NERVE TO DISMISS HER CHARGES AND PROSECUTE HENLY. THIS IS WHAT WE GOT IN OUR COURTS? THIS IS JUSTIFICATION WHY LOCALS SHOULD NOT BE IN AUTHORITY LIKE THIS. BECAUSE THE LADY WAS WRONG. WRONG WRONG WRONG. SHE SHOULD BE CHARGED FOR ASSAULT. YOU BY DOING THIS SEND A MESSAGE THAT THESE PEOPLE CAN COME AN ASSAULT OUR PEOPLE AS THEY LIKE AND PEOPLE LIKE YOU WOULD NO PROSECUTE THEM. I MEAN DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING AGAINST MEN? THIS WOMAN NEED TO BE PROSECUTED FOR WHAT SHE DID. SHE INITIATED THE ASSAULT, HE ONLY RESPONDED. THE PERSON THAT INITIATED THE ASSAULT SHOULD BE CHARGED NOT THE ONE DEFENDING FROM THE ASSAULT. HER BEHIND NEED TO BE PROSECUTED AND FINED OR JAILED AND ESCORTED TO THE DAMN AIRPORT AND TOLD NEVER TO COME BACK. I MEAN REALLY RICHARDS YOU SERIOUS?
  • vifisher1 (23/05/2012, 01:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What the hell is going on here ??? This woman come into this man business and throw something at him and they let her go ?? And now he has to pay $45000.00 for bail and waste time going back to court . This is not right !!! The woman was begging for some ice not even a customer !!! If she don't like what she saw then just leave !!! Now this man in all kind of trouble and she scott free . Justice here backward or is it just because she is a woman and he a man . Everybody equal now . If a woman hit me for no reason , I will kick her a$$ real good just like I would for a man too . Them want to be equal then take equal when them get it .
  • An observer (23/05/2012, 07:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The saying that "the customer is always right" is always applicable no matter how badly the customer behaves (color of skin not being a factor). In this instance the customer service representative Mr. Al Henley was wrongly assaulted and reacted in kind. He could have chosen to resist inspite of being assaulted, however, after the tourist got up off the ground, if she did not continue to hit him he should not have proceeded to hit her again - it seems that his anger got out of control. Notwithstanding, that we are a tourist destination and we do not want to negatively affect future tourist visitation to our islands, consideration could have been given to letting Mr. Henley pay a reasonable fine as opposed to also being dismissed, seeing that the lady's nose was broken. It is an unfortunate incident which would likely not have happened if the tourist did not resort to throwing the cup at the proprietor regardless of how defensive he became.
    • Random (23/05/2012, 09:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Technically she was not a customer, she was a begger, begging for ice
  • memo (23/05/2012, 08:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is an enligten age men don't fight women did Mr. henley get the memo???
  • tretert (24/05/2012, 06:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He needed to restrain himself. I wonder though, if he had restrained and reported the incident; what would have happened?
  • hot tot (01/06/2012, 15:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most children are brought up being taught never to hit a women, she was in the wrong, $45.000 bail is ridiculous , call the police and have her removed, it sounds like she has a serious drinking problem if she is drinking at 11am BUT dont hit women.
  • Crown Interviews (01/06/2012, 15:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think the Crown should do some investigating of their own. Why waste our money with an expensive trial if this woman can be proven to have insitigated trouble everywhere she went that weekend? A few interviews and sworn statements from the taxi driver that brought her into Cane Garden, Quito Rhymer at who's establishment she broke windows while on a violent rampage, Myetts where she was escorted out etc. Finding the truth behind the character of this so called VC would be the smart thing to do. They dropped the charges against the wrong person and by the sounds of it she should be refused entry to the country henceforth.
  • wah ah ting (01/06/2012, 16:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Still cannot believe al get he self in this mess....
  • v (01/06/2012, 17:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    al you still a good man
  • farmer brown (01/06/2012, 19:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    oh big banana i wonder if that what she was after?
  • ring side (02/06/2012, 01:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    next time we need a ring to see when the punches are been thrown.
  • toss (02/06/2012, 19:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    so one lil lil hit from Al tossed her to the ground,....ummmmmmmm


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